An internal source confirmed that Apple Car is capable of driving completely by itself

“These will be self-propelled electric cars, designed to operate without an operator or to focus even on the last stages,” said an anonymous source who knows about Apple’s plans. told CNBC.

Accordingly, this means that the US tech giant’s first vehicle can be used to deliver food and other items, as well as robotaxi services as being tested in many places. However, this also means that the Apple car will not be able to roll the streets anytime soon.

Apple’s mysterious electric vehicle initiative has in fact been a headline for the past six years, with rumors of the plan growing dramatically over the past few months.

In January 2021, Hyundai confirmed it was in talks with Apple about the possibility of cooperating on the project, although the South Korean automaker quickly withdrew its statement – possibly after being told by Apple. contact.

Since then, insiders know about the plans have said that Kia, the sister company of Hyundai, is currently leading the project. Sources told CNBC this week that both Apple and the South Korean automaker are pushing for an agreement that “iCar” is produced at Kia’s facility in West Point, Georgia, USA.

Sources also warn that depending on how current negotiations unfold, Apple could end up partnering with another car maker alongside Kia, or even without Kia.

Besides, Apple intends to build its vehicles in the US and wants to use the facilities of an established carmaker to do that. The agreement also had to allow Apple to use its own software and hardware, insiders said, to ensure the finished product would be an actual “Apple Car” rather than a home car. manufacturers of cars and incorporates only Apple-made software.

For Hyundai and Kia, the partnership with the US tech company could allow them to accelerate their plans to bring their own electric and autonomous vehicles to market – Hyundai is currently aiming to launch seven EVs in year 2027.

Recent reports have also suggested that Apple’s self-driving EV vehicle, which may also have “groundbreaking battery technology”, could be released by 2024. Even so, Apple analyst Ming -Chi Kuo said in December 2020 that the exact design specifications of the car have not been decided yet, suggesting that we probably won’t see it until 2028 or even later.

Reference digitaltrends